If you are registered for 3MT or want to take advantage of late registration, make plans to attend one of these sessions: Wednesday, September 28 at 2 p.m. in Bevil 170 or Thursday, September 29 at 2 p.m. in Campbell Hall 301.
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GS:

Where are you from?

JB:

Magee, MS

GS:

What degree did you/will you receive and when?

JB:

BS in Biology from Belhaven College in Jackson, MS in 2004; DMD from the University of Mississippi Medical Center in 2009; MSPH from UAB in 2010; Simultaneously will complete a residency program in Periodontology and PhD in Pathobiology and Molecular Medicine in 2014

GS:

How long have you been at UAB?

JB:

In Perio residency since 2009; In PhD program since 2010

GS:

What is your research?

JB:

Targeted delivery of osteoinductive peptides to bone grafts to enhance the regenerative capacity

GS:

Why did you choose UAB for your graduate studies?

JB:

UAB allowed me to complete my goals of simulataneous clinical residency and graduate school in a way where I was never completely out of the clinic or completely out of the lab. It was fully integrated. Also UAB is a top rated research facility as is shown by the recently accomplishment of the dental school being the #1 school in the country for NIDCR funding.

GS:

Have you received any awards or honors?

JB:

Since coming to UAB I have received the following awards in reverse chronological order:

2013September: Winner in the Basic Science Category of the Balint ORban Memorial Competition through the American Academy of Periodontology. This is a nation wide competition where they receive over 100 abstracts and select 8 finalists for oral presentations. There is one basic science and one clinical winner. This is one of the most prestigious research awards for a perio resident.

May: Winner of the Volpe Prize at Ohio State University. This is a North American competition where they accept abstracts from the US, Canada, and Mexico. They select 12 finalists for oral presentation and choose the winner from these. This is a prestigious competition that is only held every other year.

2011 Winner of the American Academy of Periodontology Foundation Educator Scholarship. This is for people interested in careers in academic dentistry.

2010 Recipient of the American Association of Women Dentists Research Scholar Award which they give one out annually; 2nd place in the Billy M. Pennel research competition through the Southern Academy of Periodontology

GS:

What has been your most rewarding experience at UAB?

JB:

UAB is such a diverse place and being involved in multiple programs I get to interact with many different people.

GS:

Who was your greatest influence here at UAB and why?

JB:

I have been fortunate enough to be surrounded by such supporting mentors and colleagues to name just one would be an injustice. All of my fellow residents and grad students, all the faculty and staff, and my mentors Dr. Susan L Bellis and Dr. Michael S. Reddy have all made an impact on me as a clinician, researcher, and professional. I am forever grateful.

GS:

What is your motivation in your academics/research?

JB:

I was the first person in my family to complete a 4 year college degree. However, my parents taught me and showed me from example the importance of hard work. I have always strived to carry their work ethic in everything I do. Whether it be in the classroom, clinic, lab, or in any other facet of my life, I always push to give 100% effort. Also, my family keeps me motivated. I have the most supporting and wonderful husband, Jacob. We’ve been married 9 years and he is my rock. I also strive to instill the work ethic I learned from my parents in my child, Jonah.

GS:

What are your plans after graduating and for the future?

JB:

I would like to hold a tenure track assistant professor position at a dental school where I have the capability to do clinical and didactic teaching, research, and private practice.

Jennifer’s Advice for Other Graduate Students: Stay focused and motivated. I am completing a PhD and residency program while having a growing family (2.5 year old and one due in February). If you set your mind to your goals, don’t let anything deter you. Know what’s important to you and don’t sweat the little things. There will be speed bumps and even road blocks that slow you down, but keep the big goal in mind and drive forward.